Electricians use the standards set by both our training and electrical safety codes.
A modern home is inundated with many electrical tools, appliances, and fixtures. We depend on these every single day, and yet we rarely ever stop to consider whether or not our systems are working correctly or safely. In order to ensure they’re in fact effective or safe, electricians use the standards set by both our training and electrical safety codes. But you have to get an inspection for it to matter. Would your home pass an electrical inspection today? Read on to learn more about the common causes for an electrical inspection failure.
Common Electrical Home Defects
The code is actually a bit strict, and if you have not had an inspection in around five to ten years, the odds are good that you have to update a few things. Here are a couple of common faults during an electrical inspection:
– Outdated or failed fire and smoke detectors
– New or modern appliances installed into much older wiring or systems
– A lack of GFCIs in kitchens, utility rooms, bathrooms, home exteriors (just about anywhere that could be exposed to water)
– Not using dedicated outlets for major home appliances
– Outdated and incorrectly sized wires
– Pull-chain lights instead of wall switches
– Knob or tube wiring is present in your home
– Wire overcrowding, or wiring in touch with insulation or other wires
This list is long, but believe us, this isn’t even scratching the surface. There are numerous electrical safety requirements to keep up with. But while that might sound frustrating or like a pain, it is essential. These codes are set up to help keep your home safe, your family safe, and to help reduce the amount of property loss.
Signs That You Need an Inspection
Naturally, it would be hard to check all these by yourself. So much is in your walls, under the floorboards, and in other hard-to-reach spaces. These are some easy signs to watch out for:
– It’s been too long: Inspections should be done every five years for a business, and at least every ten years for a home. We recommend more often than that for homes, since electrical technology is changing fast.
– Lights flickering in your house: This is a sign of outdated or old wiring, which is worth an inspection.
– Breakers tripping all the time: breaker trips are annoying, but they usually tell you when something is going wrong. If breakers trip all the time, you may need an electrical repair or inspection.
For ALL of Your Residential or Commercial Electrical Needs, Call TriStar Electric!
No matter the job, big or small, the professionals at TriStar Electric will be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We offer free in-home consultations, plus an after-hours and emergency phone line for advice or service!
If you have any questions about our electrical repairs or upgrades, please contact TriStar Electric, Maryland’s’ premier residential and commercial electrician, by calling 410-799-5791 or 301-384-8880. Or, you can fill out the contact form on our website.
Are you looking for a quality electrician in Maryland, Washington DC, Southern Pennsylvania, or Northern Virginia? Take a look at TriStar Electric’s online reviews and ratings on Angie’s’ List, Yelp, Google, Facebook, Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland, and Better Business Bureau.